Abstract: A method and system for automatically collecting and for analyzing information about time and work performed on a computer network which includes the following elements: a data collector for monitoring certain portions of a user's computer network activity and for logging into a log file those certain portions of a user's computer network activity; a data analyzer for determining by following user-defined rules showing which portions of those certain portions of a user's computer network activity constitutes continuous work activities, and how this work should be categorized by project and task with project; and an external interface for building the rules defining work. The data collector includes a resident module, such as a TSR (terminate-and-stay-resident) module, which extends the file system of the computer so that detailed records are kept of file activities.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing an inventory of rolls used in a rolling mill, the rolling mill having a plurality of rolling equipment each utilizing a predetermined combination of roll stands and roll guides. Each of the roll stands and roll guides utilizes at least one pair of rolls for respectively working and guiding an entry product of a predetermined size into an output product of a selected size. The method and system operates to compile and store data corresponding to individual rolls in the inventory. Operational parameters are defined for the rolling mill to produce the output product. The data corresponding to the individual rolls is iteratively correlated with the operational parameters to create an array of possible roll combinations for each roll stand or roll guide. Optimal family sets of rolls are determined from the array of possible roll combinations for the rolling mill in accordance with the operational parameters.

Abstract: A system for estimating price characteristics of a product from classified advertisements comprising a plurality of textual characters, comprises a relevant classified advertisement database, an attribute filter, a filtered classified advertisement database, a price analyzer and a graphing module. The relevant classified advertisement database stores relevant classified advertisement signals indicative of a subset of the classified advertisements which are directed to the product. The attribute filter receives the relevant classified advertisement signals, and generates in dependence thereupon numeric value signals indicative of prescribed subsets of characters in the subset of the classified advertisements. Each prescribed subset of characters represents a numeric value. The filtered classified advertisement database receives the numeric value signals and stores the numeric value signals.

Abstract: A transaction control system is disclosed wherein a center computer is connected through communication circuits with a plurality of terminal devices and wherein the users of the terminal devices do not suffer disadvantages in dealing produced by differences in transmission time with respect to the center computer. With this transaction control system, prior to the ordinary processing, the transmission time required to effect information transmission between the center computer and the various terminal devices is measured. Using the result of this measurement, an adjustment time is then set in each terminal device such as to make the transmission time coincide with a reference time. When in receipt of transaction information, each terminal device displays this transaction information after the lapse of the adjustment time after the time-point of its reception.

Abstract: A processing system and method receive batch payment data from a plurality of different sources, such as lock-boxes, an ATM or customer activated terminal, an enhanced telephone, a bank teller, or a personal computer. The batch payment data is converted into individual transaction data for on-line processing and is sent to a temporary payment queue. A transaction mover places the data from the queue to a transaction queue and a transaction router subsequently assigns the transactions to available drivers. Each driver processes the payment data and makes appropriate account information updates to a set of master files. A transaction handler coordinates the control of the transaction mover as well as the control of the transaction router. The system operates in conjunction with on-line operations, such as customer service and other mortgage services, and has a transaction handler monitor which controls the speed of processing so that on-line operations can continue during the processing of the payment data.

Abstract: A vending apparatus (AUT) is used to sell data records. The vending apparatus comprises a payment device (PAY), a control device (CONTR), a device for limiting the extent of utilization (RESTR), and an interface device (INTER1). The interface device (INTER1) sends a release signal to the control device (CONTR), when a suitable memory device (MEM2) is coupled to it in such a way, that a data transfer becomes possible. The device for limiting the extent of utilization (RESTR) only permits the storage of data records in the memory device (MEM) to a predetermined extent. The control device (CONTR) causes the transmission of at least one to be sold data record to the device for limiting the extent of utilization (RESTR), if it receives a release signal from the payment device (PAY) and the interface device (INTER1).

Abstract: A data processor system for promoting sales of products includes price storage devices for storing basic price information; criteria storage devices for storing predetermined criteria to be used in determining sales promotion prices; sensors for sensing the predetermined criteria; a data processor for receiving data from the above, and for automatically determining sales promotion prices of the products in accordance with the received data; and electronic displays controlled by the data processor for displaying the sales promotion prices. Also described is an interactive changeable display particularly useful in the sales promotion system, but also useful for other applications, such as for providing routing instructions to a plurality of destinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inventory control system (10) comprising: a portable computer (12) having a portable computer stylus (12E) which has at least one portable computer stylus button (12EB). A portable printer (14) is electrically connected to the portable computer CPU (12A). A computer software (16) is contained within the portable computer (12). The computer software (16) comprises computer software inventory (16A) having computer software inventory items. The computer software (16) further comprises a separate computer software check box (16B) corresponding to each computer software inventory item. The computer software check box (16B) is positioned adjacent to and correlating with each computer software inventory item. The computer software (16) further comprises a separate computer software quantity (16C) corresponding to each computer software inventory item. The computer software quantity (16C) is positioned adjacent to and correlating with each computer software inventory item.

Abstract: A system or network for assembling, filing and processing health care data transactions and insurance claims made by patients pursuant to health care policies issued to the patients by insurance companies or other carriers for service provided to the patients at health care facilities. The network comprises a multitude of participating patients, a multitude of health care facilities, and a plurality of insurance companies or other carriers. Each of the patients has a personal data file including a set of patient related data encoded in a machine readable format, and each of the health care facilities has a telecommunications unit and a file reader to read the data on the personal data files and to transmit the patient related data to the telecommunications unit at the facility. The network further includes a central claims processing unit connected to the telecommunications units of the health care facilities to receive the electronic claim forms from those facilities and to adjudicate those claims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for tracing payment data in an anonymous payment system having electronic payment means, such as so-called "smart cards". According to the invention, the user commits himself to a value (w) which may later be used for the tracing by a payment institution. The value (w) is preferably recorded with the help of a so-called one-way function (F) and an (electronic) signature (.sigma.), so that the payment institution does not dispose of the value itself, but is able to verify it on the basis of the stored derivative (w") of the value. The invention further relates to a payment means and a payment system for application of the method.

Abstract: The method of processing merchandise discounts by providing a computerized membership system is disclosed. At least one provider's computer has a database for the storage and retrieval of information. The database stores demographic information regarding merchants, manufacturers, and consumers in predetermined files. A communication system, such as a cash register, provides real time communication between members and the provider's computer. The consumer and merchandise identification codes are stored in the database, including the identification code of merchandise subject to a price discount. Discounted merchandise is displayed through media advertisement and/or notification proximate the merchandise. The consumer selects merchandise to purchase. The consumer membership card, containing the consumer's identification, and product code of the merchandise is scanned. The merchandise identification code is scanned and compared with the stored product identification codes of the discounted merchandise.

Abstract: A transaction center including a transaction processing platform having an automatic call distribution system for queuing customer transaction requests, for choosing an appropriate service agent according to information gathered about the transaction requests, and for determining when the appropriate service agent is available. Also provided is a transaction request server for receiving and storing the transaction requests. In operation, the message is first received and stored by the transaction request server. Next, the presence of the message is detected and in response thereto a signal is sent to the transaction processing platform. Finally, the message is sent to the appropriate service agent in response to a signal from the transaction processing platform indicating that the appropriate service agent is available to service the transaction request.

Abstract: A scheduled price verification system and method which ensure that a scheduled price change has been scheduled for an electronic price label (EPL) associated with an item. The system includes a storage medium for storing an EPL data file and a spool file, and a computer. The computer executes a scheduled price verifier program which reads the EPL data file to obtain identification information for the item associated with the EPL, reads a price file to obtain a new price and a time that the new price is to be effective, reads the spool file after the time to determine whether it contains a record of the one price change to the new price for the EPL, and schedules a price change message containing the new price if the spool file does not contain the record of the one price change to the new price for the EPL.

Abstract: A method for designing a product using a set of parameters and a set of instructions provided by a user is disclosed wherein the method includes the steps of receiving the set of parameters and the set of instructions to establish requirements of the product, determining a first calculation based on a calculated reason, performing the first calculation using the set of parameters and the set of instructions to achieve a first solution, communicating the first calculation to the user, communicating the calculated reason for performing the first calculation to the user, reviewing a set of second calculations, determining a preferred second calculation from the set of second calculations based on a second calculated reason, performing the preferred second calculation using the set of parameters and the set of instructions and the first solution, communicating the preferred second calculation to the user, and communicating the second calculated reason for performing the preferred second calculation to the user.